Air quality data published by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) has revealed that Mumbai witnessed the cleanest air quality as Cyclone Nisarga made landfall in parts of Maharashtra as well as the city. Due to cyclonic winds blowing in the city, the harmful Particular Matter (PM) has been swept away, it is said. Mumbai recorded a score of 22 in the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is considered “good” as per the official categorization.
Elaborating further on the data, it is revealed that Mazgaon recorded the cleanest air in Mumbai with an AQI of 4. On the other end of the spectrum, areas like Malad and Borivli recorded an AQI score of 43.
Additionally, the authorities estimated that Thursday’s average AQI figures in the city would be 15. Overall, air quality in 10 areas of Mumbai was rated as “good” as per the AQI chart. The previous best AQI score of 25 was recorded on the 23rd of May.
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It is said that the PM2.5 concentrations were well below 60 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) since the latter days of March which is when the nationwide lockdown was imposed. As of Wednesday’s figures, the PM2.5 concentration in the city was 15 μg/m3.
While this is certainly good news for the residents of Mumbai, the key will be to maintain this level of air quality even after the lockdown is eased and the cyclone has passed. With vehicular emissions being the largest contributors to the spread of PM2.5 in the air, this may prove to be a tough task.
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